FEES & SALES TAX

Whether purchasing a new vehicle, transferring the ownership of a vehicle, inheriting a vehicle, or moving to Denver for the first time, you are responsible for payment of ownership tax and state licensing fees, each year at the time of vehicle registration throughout the life of the vehicle. For more information visit one of our Denver DMV branch offices (Denver residents only).

Example tax calculations

Sales taxes are due one time after a new or used car purchase at the time you title your vehicle. You must also pay ownership taxes each year after the purchase of a vehicle.

EXAMPLE #1: Sales tax to be paid in 2002 on the purchase of a 1998 passenger vehicle with a sales price of $17,000 and a $2,000 trade-in allowance.

$17,000 - $2,000 = $15,000 x 7.65% = $1,147.50

Sales tax is calculated on the net purchase price (which is the total purchase price less the amount allowed by a dealer for any trade-in). The rate of tax for Denver County residents is as follows:

Sales Tax

Rate

Colorado State Tax

2.90%

RTD Tax

1.10%

Denver City Tax

3.65%

Total Sales Tax

7.65%

We cannot quote exact fees online or over the phone

Denver County Motor Vehicle cannot quote fees online or over the phone. Fees are based on the vehicle's age, weight, taxable value, and month of registration. To find out the exact amount of your taxes and fees, visit any of Denver's DMV branch offices (Denver residents only) and bring the necessary registration documents.

Late fees

Registration renewals must be completed by vehicle owners within the expiration time frame including the one-month grace period, or late fees of $25 per month—up to a total of $100 per vehicle—will be assessed. Vehicles owners who have recently purchased a car must register their new vehicle within 60 days or late fees with be assessed beginning on the 61st day after the purchase date if vehicle is not registered.

Example

April expiration (including one month grace period) will be good through the last business day of the month, by May 29*:

Add $25 – on June 1, if not registered
Add $50 – on July 1, if not registered
Add $75 – on August 3, if not registered
Add $100 – on September 1 or later if not registered

Total: $100 in late fees

* The vehicle will also be subject to monthly back ownership tax and vehicle registration fees, which were due in April at the time of expiration.

The penalty for late registration of any non-motorized vehicle that weighs more than 2,000 pounds but not more than 16,000 pounds, and any camper trailer or multi-purpose trailer regardless of its weight, is $10.

Example 1

March expiration (a month grace period) will be good through the last business day of the month, by April 30:

Add $25 – on May1, if not registered Add $25 – on June 1, if not registered Add $10 – on July 1, if not registered

Total: $60 in late fees

Example 2

July expiration (a month grace period) will be good through the last business day of the month, by August 31:

Add $10 – on Sept 1, if not registered

Total: $10 in late fees

Titling fees

License plate fees

License plates fees. Colorado has both standard and special plates available, and both may be personalized. To learn more about plates and fees, visit our license plates page.
Temporary tags/ permit fees. The fee for a temporary permit includes sales tax and late fees (if applicable), plus $7.08 for the temporary permit.